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DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Dec. 4

by
Pete Jensen
/ NHL.com

Each day during the 2015-16 season, NHL.com's fantasy staff will identify one player at each position worth owning in DraftKings daily fantasy hockey contests. Based on factors including but not limited to matchups, line combinations, power-play usage, statistical coverage and recent production, we'll provide you with lower-priced options that can help you build a winning lineup.

Players accumulate points in DraftKings for each goal (3 points), assist (2), shot on goal (0.5), blocked shot (0.5) and shootout goal (0.2). Bonuses are given for shorthanded points (1) and hat tricks (1.5). Goalies accumulate points for each win (3) and save (0.2), and lose a point for each goal allowed. Goalie bonuses are given for a shutout (2) where the goalie completes the entire game with no goals allowed in regulation (and overtime, if applicable). Shootout goals will not prevent a shutout, and goalies will receive points for any goals or assists they score in a game. Penalty minutes, hits, plus-minus and PP points DO NOT count in DraftKings. DraftKings lineups must include nine players (2 C, 3 W, 2 D, 1 G, 1 FLEX) and fit within the $50,000 salary cap.

Not available in all U.S. states. See Official Rules for full eligibility rules and further details.

Check out DraftKings.com to play 1-Day Fantasy Hockey today. Entering is quick and simple: sign up for a free account, enter the $3 1-Day Fantasy Hockey contest and set your lineup, catch the games and win!

After losing their first six home games of the season, the Blue Jackets have responded with wins in four of their past five at Nationwide Arena. Johansen, who has 13 points and 32 shots on goal (SOG) in 11 home games, is largely responsible for the turnaround and is riding a three-game point streak into Columbus' game against the Florida Panthers, who have won four straight but are on the second of a back-to-back set with Al Montoya in net. Expect at least one point and 3-5 SOG from Johansen, priced 10th among centers in Friday contests. He's averaging the same number of DraftKings points per contest (3.3) as Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux, who's $900 more expensive.

Hall is technically a value pick because he's priced $1,500 cheaper than Jamie Benn ($8,400) and faces the Dallas Stars, who will be on the second leg of a back-to-back as their Western Canada road trip continues. Hall is due for a shooting percentage correction after no goals on 28 SOG during his six-game drought, and has also chipped in five blocked shots in that stretch, pretty good for a forward. He faces a Stars defense that is prone to defensive lapses, and his home splits are certainly in his favor: Hall has 15 points and 49 SOG in 11 games at Rexall Place. Stack one of the League's best SOG-per-game assets with Leon Draisaitl ($4,300), who's averaging 4.0 DraftKings points per contest.

We've been harping on the low prices and consistent value of the Buffalo Sabres' Rasmus Ristolainen ($4,800; vs. Arizona Coyotes) and the Philadelphia Flyers' Shayne Gostisbehere ($3,400; at New Jersey), and each remains a viable option for Friday contests. That said, it's time to highlight the recent play of Moore, a strong skater who has been racking up points for the Devils. He has middle-of-the-pack peripherals (23 blocks, 34 SOG in 24 games), but has seven points (one goal, six assists) with two multipoint games in his past 10. He's seeing power-play time of late and is near the bottom of the barrel in terms of DraftKings price. The Devils return home on the second of a back-to-back, so it's not a bad idea to throw Moore into the ring as one of your defensemen and spend your money elsewhere on forwards with high upside.

Johnson has won two straight, allowing two goals on 57 shots faced in that stretch. He's the confirmed starter Friday for the Sabres against the Coyotes, who are on the second of a back-to-back after getting routed Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. The only starting goalies cheaper than Johnson are Mike Smith ($6,300 at Buffalo) on short rest and John Gibson ($6,200) against a dominant road team in the San Jose Sharks. I like Johnson's chances at the win bonus with the Sabres' offense clicking with four goals in each of their past three games (2-0-1). He's flying under the radar with respectable peripherals on the season (2.37 goals-against average, .929 even-strength save percentage through 16 games).

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